Summary of East West Bancorp Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: East West Bancorp (NasdaqGS:EWBC) - **Industry**: Banking - **Date of Conference**: February 10, 2026 Key Points 1. Growth Outlook for 2026 - 2026 is expected to be a constructive year for growth, with both loans and deposits meeting expectations and showing positive trends [6][7] - Loan growth guidance for 2026 is set at 5%-7%, an increase from the previous year's guidance of 4%-6% [7] 2. Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Insights - Credit quality concerns in the CRE sector have abated, with refinancing options available and a thawing market for transactions [13][14] - The bank is cautious about pursuing new CRE opportunities, focusing instead on reliable customers and maintaining a balanced portfolio [15][17] 3. Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Growth Drivers - The bank is expanding its expertise in various sectors, including charter schools, aerospace, and ESOPs, to drive C&I growth [19][20] - Growth is expected to be broad-based, complementing positive momentum from previous quarters [21] 4. Tax Incentives and Investment Trends - Clients are actively considering bonus depreciation incentives, which are accelerating their investment timelines [24] - There is a trend of reshoring and investment in U.S. supply chains, driven by tax benefits and operational flexibility [25][27] 5. Market Expansion and Acquisition Strategy - East West Bancorp is exploring growth opportunities in underpenetrated markets like New York and Boston, focusing on organic growth and potential acquisitions [28][29] - The bank is cautious about increasing CRE exposure and aims for a diversified customer deposit base [29][30] 6. Deposit Growth and Competitive Landscape - The bank expects to fund loan growth primarily through deposit growth, with a tightening competitive landscape for deposits [40][41] - The bank has launched a six-month CD at a rate of 3.73%, setting a competitive floor for deposit pricing [40] 7. Net Interest Income (NII) and Risks - NII growth is projected to align with loan growth, with expectations of 5%-7% growth in both areas [44] - Risks include potential interest rate cuts that could impact margins and backbook repricing [45] 8. Capital and Liquidity Position - The bank maintains a strong capital and liquidity position, with a focus on fixed-rate securities to manage interest rate risk [46][47] - The bank is well-positioned to meet customer needs and navigate potential challenges in 2026 [47] 9. Expense Management and Investment Focus - The bank plans to invest in people and technology, particularly in front-line sales and cybersecurity [54][55] - Despite a projected 7%-9% growth in expenses, revenue growth is expected to outpace this, maintaining positive operating leverage [61] 10. Fee Income Growth - Fee income, particularly from wealth management and foreign exchange, is expected to continue being a significant growth driver [72][73] - Disruptive market conditions tend to increase transaction activity, benefiting fee income [74] 11. Greater China Strategy - The bank plays a crucial role in facilitating transactions for U.S. consumers purchasing goods from overseas, particularly from smaller and mid-sized enterprises [66][67] - Continued investment in the U.S. is expected from clients engaged in cross-border trade, providing lending opportunities for East West [69][70] Conclusion East West Bancorp is optimistic about its growth prospects in 2026, with a focus on maintaining credit quality, expanding into new markets, and leveraging tax incentives to drive investment. The bank's strategic emphasis on expertise in various sectors and a strong capital position positions it well for future opportunities.

This story was originally published on CFO.com. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO.com newsletter. Tax planning for 2026 is coming into focus as guidance and litigation begin to fall into place.  Bloomberg’s 2026 Tax Policy Outlook outlines how recent tax changes are moving into an implementation phase, with full expensing provisions reinstated, adjustments underway to the corporate minimum tax and key elements of the global minimum tax framework already revised. At the s ...

Core Viewpoint - Grant Cardone expresses optimism about the US housing market, anticipating that the Trump administration will implement measures to stimulate it despite high home prices and elevated mortgage rates [1][10]. Group 1: Housing Market Stimulus - President Trump has prioritized housing affordability ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, addressing high housing costs and interest rates at the World Economic Forum [2]. - Proposed plans include having Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac increase their mortgage bond purchases and banning institutional investors from acquiring single-family homes [2]. Group 2: Tax Code Adjustments - Cardone predicts potential adjustments to capital gains taxes for home sales, suggesting that the exclusion caps for married and single filers could be raised from $500,000 and $250,000 respectively, making it easier to sell appreciated properties [6][7]. - This change could lead to more homes entering the market, as the tax burden would be lessened for homeowners [6]. Group 3: Investment Incentives - Cardone believes that extending "bonus depreciation" to single-family homes could enhance investment opportunities, allowing investors to deduct the full cost of qualifying properties immediately [8][10]. - Currently, single-family home purchases allow for depreciation over 27 years, which is less favorable compared to the immediate write-off for larger assets [9]. Group 4: Speculation on Policy Changes - While Cardone's insights are based on discussions with administration insiders, a White House spokesperson has stated that no specific policy changes are currently under consideration, labeling any reports of potential actions as speculation [10][11].

Watch: Firms that rely on pricey equipment are benefitting from a tax incentive known as “bonus depreciation.” The Wall Street Journal’s Richard Rubin takes us to the Gulf Coast to learn why. https://t.co/MoFCidSK58 ...

Tax Law Impact on Businesses - The new tax law extended tax cuts and created new deductions for overtime pay, tipped workers, and senior citizens [1] - The law also expanded the state and local tax (SALT) deduction [2] - Bonus depreciation allows companies to deduct 100% of the cost of certain equipment immediately [4] - The 20% deduction for pass-through businesses was made permanent, potentially boosting companies like Gulf Distributing with $750 million in gross revenue per year [7] - The per-person estate tax exemption increased to $15 million, providing certainty for family-owned businesses [10] Winners and Losers - Gulf Distributing is benefiting from the new tax law, using it to expand and invest in equipment [3][6] - Solar Alternatives is facing challenges due to the phasing out of the 30% clean energy credit for homeowners and commercial credits [15] - Solar Alternatives anticipates a reduction in its workforce due to the new tax law [15] Renewable Energy Sector - The 30% clean energy credit for homeowners will expire at the end of the year, and commercial credits will be phased out over the next few years [15] - A solar system without batteries costs approximately $20,000, while adding a battery can add another $20,000 [14] - The solar industry argues that the phase-out of tax credits does not provide enough time for businesses to adapt [18]

Group 1 - The revival of bonus depreciation allows businesses to write off 100% of significant purchases in the year they are made, encouraging immediate spending and investment [2][4] - The private jet industry has seen an 11% increase in sales from last year and a 30% increase compared to two years ago, indicating a surge in demand driven by the tax break [3] - Real estate projects under review have increased by 145% from the previous year, highlighting the significant impact of the tax incentive on investment behavior [5] Group 2 - The bonus depreciation policy, initially introduced in Trump's 2017 tax overhaul, has been reinstated permanently under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, creating a long-term incentive for businesses [4] - Business owners, real estate investors, and family offices are the primary beneficiaries of the tax break, leveraging it to enhance their cash flow and asset acquisition strategies [5][6] - The tax break is perceived as a loophole for the ultra-wealthy, raising questions about its broader economic implications for everyday consumers [4]

Core Insights - Demand for private jets is increasing significantly, with Honeywell forecasting a record number of new business jet deliveries over the next decade despite economic uncertainties [1][2]. Group 1: Market Outlook - Honeywell's 34th annual Global Business Aviation Outlook estimates 8,500 new business jet deliveries worth $283 billion over the next 10 years, marking the highest total in its 34-year history [2]. - The average annual growth rate for business jet deliveries is projected at 3% [2]. - 20% of global operators surveyed reported having at least one aircraft on firm order, an increase from 17% the previous year [5]. Group 2: Factors Driving Demand - Recent economic growth, rising demand for fractional ownership, and ongoing advancements in aircraft technology are contributing to record levels of demand in business aviation [3]. - The restoration of 100% bonus depreciation under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has spurred purchase activity, allowing businesses to write off the full cost of aircraft in the year they are put into service [8][9]. Group 3: Industry Response - Manufacturers are ramping up production to meet the growing demand, as operators increase their usage rates [5]. - Companies like Stella Jets have reported a surge in clients seeking new purchases following the tax rule restoration, indicating a strong market response [9][10]. Group 4: Demand Trends - Overall demand for private aviation is on the rise, with expectations for continued growth [10][11]. - Some industry experts believe that actual demand for new deliveries may exceed Honeywell's projections, based on observed increases in charter demand [11][13].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: U.S. Machinery and Electricals - **Focus**: Impact of recent policy changes by the Trump Administration on various sub-sectors including electricals, construction, agriculture, and trucks [1][11] Core Insights and Arguments 1. Policy Impact on Renewables - The Trump Administration's policies are de-prioritizing renewables, negatively impacting companies like Quanta (PWR) which derives 30% of sales from this sector [2][49] - The OBBBA cuts tax credits for renewables, shortening the eligibility timeframe from 2032 to 2027, leading to a projected slowdown in construction activity post-2025 [16][54] - Construction costs are rising due to stricter domestic content requirements and tariffs, which could drive renewables to ex-growth from 2025-2030 [2][18] 2. Construction Sector Stimulus - The reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation for qualified property under the OBBBA is expected to stimulate construction activity, unlocking nearly $90 billion in additional non-residential construction spending, a 7% increase compared to 2024 levels [3][67] - This change is anticipated to benefit construction OEMs such as OSK, URI, ETN, CAT, TRMB, HUBB, DE, and J [3][12] 3. Agriculture Equipment Demand - Changes in biofuels policy, including a 75% increase in biomass-based diesel production mandated by the EPA, could lead to a 10% increase in agricultural equipment demand [4][84] - The extension of clean fuel tax credits from 2027 to 2029 and increased subsidies for biofuels are expected to positively impact companies like Deere, AGCO, and CNH [4][101] 4. Truck OEM Competitive Landscape - The Section 232 investigation into commercial vehicle manufacturing is likely to favor U.S.-based manufacturers like PACCAR (PCAR) by reversing the current tariff structure that disadvantages U.S. manufacturers [5][104] - Current tariffs create a cost disadvantage for U.S. truck manufacturers, as they face higher costs due to imported components [107][110] Additional Important Insights - The overall economic reorientation towards investment rather than consumption is expected to benefit the machinery and electrical sectors [13] - The anticipated slowdown in renewable energy construction does not imply a complete decline, as electricity demand continues to grow at a CAGR of 1.5-2% [28][40] - Historical context indicates that previous cuts to renewable tax credits led to significant underperformance in the sector, suggesting potential risks ahead [46] - The bonus depreciation changes are expected to lead to mid-single-digit earnings growth for companies like Oshkosh, Eaton, and United Rentals [79][82] Company Ratings and Price Targets - **Outperform Ratings**: Trimble (TP $99), Jacobs (TP $163), PACCAR (TP $118), Eaton (TP $410), Hubbell (TP $511) [7][8] - **Market-Perform Ratings**: AGCO (TP $118), Caterpillar (TP $447), Deere (TP $548), Cummins (TP $385), United Rentals (TP $885), Titan America (TP $15), Oshkosh (TP $132), Quanta (TP $410) [7][8] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, highlighting the implications of policy changes on various sectors and companies within the U.S. Machinery and Electricals industry.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - AFFO per share for the quarter was $0.60, an increase of 4.9% compared to $0.57 for the same quarter in 2024 [22] - The midpoint of the revised 2025 guidance now calls for 4.4% growth in AFFO per share versus 2024 [10][23] - Total debt is $17.1 billion with a net debt to annualized second quarter adjusted EBITDA of approximately 5.1 times, within the target leverage range of 5 to 5.5 times [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - VICI's same store NOI growth rate is over five times higher than the average projected rate for net lease REITs [11] - The company is generating earnings growth through a combination of same store earnings growth and new store external growth [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Las Vegas has experienced a period of normalization after years of record-breaking growth, with higher-end properties still running at over 90% occupancy levels [17] - The lower-end consumer has declined recently, prompting operators to adjust strategies to attract budget-conscious visitors [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes the importance of dividends in creating value for shareholders, focusing on total return through dividend return and earnings growth [7][8] - VICI is cultivating relationships with best-in-class operating partners and diversifying investments beyond gaming, including theme parks and youth sports [15][98] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in Las Vegas's long-term trajectory despite recent declines in visitation and gaming revenue [17] - The company believes its rental income is insulated from cyclical fluctuations due to long-term leases with corporate guarantees [18] Other Important Information - The company raised its AFFO guidance for 2025, now expecting between $2.5 billion and $2.52 billion, or between $2.35 and $2.37 per diluted common share [23] - VICI's capital markets independence allows it to generate earnings growth without significant reliance on external funding [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the decision to increase your mezzanine loan investment on the 1 Beverly Hills by $150 million? - The increase is part of a larger financing effort for a $6 billion project, with expectations of further commitments as construction financing progresses [26] Question: Are you seeing or expecting any fee simple opportunities from these relationships? - There is potential for fee simple opportunities, particularly with partners like Kane and Eldridge, as they expand their investments [28] Question: How have deal discussions been for sale-leaseback or other loans recently? - There have been no significant changes in deal discussions, with continued activity across various sectors [32] Question: What are your views on iGaming proliferation? - The company monitors iGaming developments closely, as it is important for many tenants and their overall credit [36] Question: Are there good opportunities for debt investments? - There appears to be more credit opportunities than real estate transaction opportunities currently [42] Question: How do you feel about the regional gaming markets? - The company remains excited about the gaming industry overall, with positive trends in regional markets [48] Question: What are your thoughts on the Caesars Forum Convention Center call option? - The company is assessing the opportunity and has time to evaluate its options regarding the asset [90] Question: How are you seeing the performance of Canadian properties amid declining visitation to Las Vegas? - Performance of Canadian assets has been strong, with indications that more Canadians are visiting local properties [72]

Tax Law Impact on Private Jet Industry - New tax law allows immediate write-off of the entire purchase price of private jets, known as bonus depreciation [1] - Bonus depreciation, originally passed in 2017, was brought back, enabling companies to write off 100% of the purchase price of capital equipment, including private jets used for business [1] - The full purchase price of a private jet can be written off on taxes in the year of purchase, retroactive to January of this year [2][3] Conditions and Implications - The jet must be used for qualified business activities, not personal use [2] - The benefit applies to both new and pre-owned planes [2] - For example, a $10 million Gulfstream purchase can deduct the entire $10 million from taxable income [3] Market Outlook - Brokers anticipate a demand spike starting in September due to the tax change [4] - The private jet industry had been slowing after peak demand [3]